Which banks are best for expats in 2025?

Short answer: The best banks for expats in 2025 are those that offer English apps, video-ID onboarding and SEPA transfers with low fees—N26, DKB and Deutsche Bank currently top our comparison list.

Best banks for expats in 2025 fall into three categories we review for every client:

1 — Mobile-only challengers. N26 and Vivid Money open accounts with a foreign passport, give you an English interface and free Mastercard worldwide; the trade-off is no cash deposits and limited in-branch support.

2 — Digital direct banks. DKB and ING Germany run fully online yet link to the national girocard network, so you get free ATM withdrawals across the country and easy standing orders for rent.

3 — Full-service branch banks. Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank remain the go-to if you want an English-speaking clerk for mortgage meetings or need certified statements for a visa extension. Monthly fees are higher, but you gain physical branches and a recognised brand when landlords run credit checks.

At Finance for Expats we score each bank on five expat-specific factors: English onboarding, international transfers, ATM network, credit-card acceptance and mortgage friendliness. After a quick profile call we email you a personalised ranking plus the exact link to start the video-ID. If you already bank in Germany but crave lower fees or better English support, we handle a seamless switch through our bank switch service.

Key take-aways:

• Mobile banks are cheapest and fastest to open; branch banks help with visas and mortgages.
• We compare English support, ATM access and future loan options—then set up the account for you.